_Cabal_ (Vol. iv., pp. 443. 507.).--The following extract from a curious
book in my possession, entitled _Theophania; or severall Modern
Histories represented by way of Romance_ (see "N. & Q." Vol. i., p.
174.), shows a much earlier use of this word than that of Burnet's. The
date of _Theophania_ is 1655:
"He was at length taken prisoner, and, as a sure token of an
entire victory, sent with a strong guard into _Sicily_; where
_Glaucus_ and _Pausanias_, fearing time might mitigate the queen's
indignation, caused his process to be presently dispatched; and
the judges, being all of the same Cabal, without consideration of
his many glorious achievements, they condemned him to an
ignominious death."--_Theophania_, p. 147.